Library Web Page Requirements

Known Database Access Connection Problems

Some PC Security Software Blocks Login to Our Databases

Some security software in the past has prevented library users from logging into our databases and ILL service. These generally have web control components that install into your web browsers. Security suites that have done this in the past are CA PC Security Suite and Bitdefender.

To correct this some patrons have had to turn off their firewall to use the library databases while others have reported that they had to change or disable settings called web browser security and or web access control in their security software.

New Paltz Computer User ID and Password Problems

To get help with your user ID and password:

STUDENTS: Contact the help desk at 845-257-3597 or visit them at HUM 103.

Using the campus VPN to help off campus database connection problems

The campus VPN can sometimes help when your PC or Network Provider or Security Software is not compatible with our proxy use. This is because it makes your PC appear to database sites to be on the campus network. But it only helps if you choose the correct options when you connect.

Clearing your browser cache & cookies

There are some quick techniques with most modern browsers, but the browser then must be turned off and closed. If your on a Mac you have to fully quit a program. (I always recommend you reboot after clearing cache.)

Reload the page and request the latest data from the web server keyboard shortcut

NOTE: This is not clearing cache but in many cases fixes small problems relating to cached data.

Press CTRL + F5 keys at the same time with the page you need on your browser screen.

If using a Mac press: Apple + R OR command + R

(Holding the shift key while pressing reload in the browser multiple times may also work)

Clear cache through browser settings keyboard shortcut

CRTL + SHIFT + DEL on a PC

Shift+Command+Delete on a MAC

NOTE: Make sure History and Cookies and cached images and files is selected and/or time range is set to “All time” when the dialog box pops up and click OK.

Cache settings can also be found in your browser settings through the menu through Settings and Privacy.

NOTE: Again, the browser then must be turned off and closed. If on a Mac you have to fully quit a program. (I always recommend you reboot after clearing cache.)

Web Browser Requirements

Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome

We primarily support Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome on our web page, but most up-to-date browsers will work.

We recommend you have more than one fully up-to-date web browser so if you run into something that does not work in one you can try the other. This is sometimes the quickest fix.

NOTE: Browsers not updated within the past year or so may not work on campus web servers or library databases.

Download a New Browser

Web Browser Settings

JavaScript must be enabled for most of our sites and research databases

Cookies must be enabled because many library research databases use cookies

Java Runtime should not be enabled as a general rule, BUT some library database sites may require Java Runtime software enabled in your browser. If so, the database will give you a message that says it is required. Here are instructions on how to Enable and Disable Java in your browser.

If YOUR configuration is different from the recommended software and settings, you may experience difficulty using the Library’s electronic resources.

Pop-up Blocker Settings

Many pop-up blockers are smart enough to allow pop ups from trustworthy sites like our databases. If one is blocked you will get a warning from your web browser and it will allow you to make an exception for that database web site.

If that still gives you too much trouble though, you will have to turn off your pop-up blocker while doing research with the library databases. You can turn it back on when you are done, of course.

Essential Software you Need to Access Content on the Web

It is always recommended to get the latest version of the following software to view documents and media content on the web.

Adobe Acrobat

Acrobat PDF (Portable Document Format) files are all over the web they used to distribute documents. There are other PDF viewers, but you should have the Acrobat viewer. Our library reserves are mostly in PDF format.

Adobe Flash Player

Almost all web video, from YouTube to our own library instruction, uses the Flash player to display. Flash is not just used for video though – it is also used for some documents, and some entire web sites use nothing but Flash pages, forms, etc. It is absolutely essential to keep your Flash player up to date.

Surf the web more securely & without annoying ads!

Microsoft Silverlight

Microsoft Silverlight is Microsoft’s answer to Adobe Flash. Because it is backed by Microsoft you can be sure pages at Microsoft will use it and some other places will adopt it. Don’t worry about Adobe Flash though, they are the most used moving image display software by far.